Tourist arrivals in Himachal Pradesh rose from 1.51 crore in 2022 to 1.60 crore last year, despite disruptions caused by heavy rain, floods, and landslides in mid-2023.
More over one crore tourists visited the state in the first half of 2023, including 99,78,504 domestic and 28,239 foreign visitors, as of June.
However, tourist influx was totally halted during the monsoon season due to excessive rains, flash floods, and landslides, as well as the disturbance produced by these events, according to an official.
The July and August rains caused Himachal Pradesh to incur damages of Rs 9,905.77 crore, and more than 200 persons were killed in rain-related mishaps and accidents. Several individuals were also displaced.
According to government data, 75,000 trapped visitors had to be evacuated from the state on July 9 and 10 due to traffic blockages in the hill state.
Following the monsoon mayhem, relief and restoration efforts were launched on a war footing. The significant influx of tourists during the Kullu International Dussehra signified the start of the tourism industry’s comeback, officials told the PTI.
The tourism agency said that 1.60 crore visitors, including 62,806 foreigners, visited the state in 2023, compared to 1.51 crore tourists, including 29,333 foreigners, in 2022.
While there was a 6% overall rise, overseas tourists accounted for 53% of the total.
Officials stated that improved infrastructure and the inclusion of tourist attractions had supported the comeback.
Mukesh Thakur, President of the Manali Hoteliers Association, stated that the Atal Tunnel (Rohtang), the new gateway to Lahaul and Spiti, has emerged as a popular tourist destination. Tourists are visiting the area in significant numbers, according to Mukesh Thakur, head of the Manali Hoteliers Association.
Aside from popular tourist destinations like as Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti, Chamba, Dharamsala, Shimla, and Kullu-Manali, there is a steady influx of people to “shakti peeths” in Kangra, Bilaspur, Una, Sirmaur, and Mandi.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukkhu has stated that the state’s goal is to attract five crore tourists each year, and that infrastructure is being built to support this.
During his budget speech on Saturday, he revealed intentions to promote Chandratal, Kaza, and Tandi in Lahaul-Spiti and Rackchham and Nako ‘?Chango’? Khab in Kinnaur as tourism attractions.